Last weekend marked six months since our move to Villa Rustica. On meeting our new neighbours, they off-handedly said: "If you don't change things in the first six months, it'll never happen. You'll adjust and get use to things the way they are." Spurred by their advice, we embarked on a massive renovation schedule. At the apex of this madness, I counted over 20 tradespeople on site one day! Of course, the manic pace couldn't continue and, after Easter, we found ourselves mentally and physically exhausted. Calling a halt to all projects, we needed space to settle into "our" house.
Undoubtedly, the most visible impact we've had on the property is the new tennis court - something my Mum warned would "totally wreck the look of the place"! During its 3 month construction period, these words proved prophetic. However, the grass has grown back and the court now sits comfortably within the landscape.
To celebrate the new court, we held our first tournament on Sunday. While coinciding with the finals at Wimbledon, it also coincided with the Arctic cold snap across much of Australia. The chilly winds swept away my dreams of sipping Pimms on a sunny terrace and having a win on our own court … leaving David Sweet as deserved winner of the inaugural Wimbledon@Villa Rustica tournament.
To celebrate the new court, we held our first tournament on Sunday. While coinciding with the finals at Wimbledon, it also coincided with the Arctic cold snap across much of Australia. The chilly winds swept away my dreams of sipping Pimms on a sunny terrace and having a win on our own court … leaving David Sweet as deserved winner of the inaugural Wimbledon@Villa Rustica tournament.
Another visible change is the refurbished cottage, and we are now receiving bookings through Air BnB. The cottage is separate from the house and has its own gardens - so we're hardly aware of the guests' presence. Yet, it's lovely to catch a glimpse of the guests strolling around the grounds or having fun on the tennis court.
We're also back in our studios. Greg is having success with a new series of coffee mugs, and I'm working on another mosaic portrait in my Coptic series. I'm also starting to think about "Art" and feel ready to write again.
Six months may have passed, but I'm determined to prove the neighbours wrong. Our roof is scheduled to be repaired on Monday - which means no more buckets!
Thanks to our friends and family who have visited us on the farm. We've had so much fun these last six months. Here's a slideshow of some of the adventures ….
Thanks to our friends and family who have visited us on the farm. We've had so much fun these last six months. Here's a slideshow of some of the adventures ….